Our YEXIO data centres—how a holistic approach brings together sustainability, efficiency and digitalisation

The challenge: digitalisation meets climate targets

Growing demand for computing capacity coincides with ambitious climate targets. In Germany, the Energy Efficiency Act requires operators to meet energy-efficiency standards, recover waste heat, source electricity from renewable energy and introduce an energy-management system. At the same time, many businesses want greater data sovereignty and lower latency—particularly where sensitive data is processed. Conventional data centres are often not designed to meet these needs. They are located far from cities, consume large amounts of electricity and are rarely integrated architecturally into their surroundings. A new way of thinking is required.

The solution: YEXIO data centres as part of a wider system

With our YEXIO data centre concept, we therefore take a holistic approach that treats data centres as integrated components of a wider environmental, energy and urban system. The concept is guided by three core principles:

1. In keeping with lifecycle thinking, every phase—from planning and construction through to decommissioning—is designed around sustainability and efficiency.
2. Our data centres are not viewed as isolated buildings, but as energy hubs that interact with their surroundings.
3. The data centres are integrated locally by adapting site selection, architecture and technology to the needs of local authorities, users and the environment.

This systemic perspective changes the role of the data centre. Through our YEXIO concept, we can transform data centres from isolated technical facilities into active contributors to the energy transition, urban development and digital infrastructure.

Sustainability as a guiding principle

At HOCHTIEF Data Center Partner, we regard sustainability not as an optional extra but as a necessity and a fundamental prerequisite for a future-ready society and economy. Our YEXIO data centres therefore employ resource-efficient, future-ready construction methods. Solid timber is used as the primary construction material instead of concrete. Timber stores carbon, is renewable and, thanks to modern methods, can meet the same technical requirements as conventional materials. Solid-timber construction can reduce a data centre’s environmental footprint by approximately 600 tonnes of CO₂.

The buildings also follow a modular design. Many components are prefabricated before construction begins—shortening the construction period while saving materials and costs. Their compact, flexible design allows our data centres to be integrated more effectively into urban environments and adapted sustainably to future requirements. Finally, green façades, intelligent rainwater management and considered architectural design ensure that our YEXIO data centres blend harmoniously into the urban landscape while also supporting biodiversity.

Operational efficiency: using cooling and energy intelligently

Efficient operation is another important focus of the YEXIO concept. In a conventional data centre, a great deal of energy is required to run the cooling systems. As this is one of the main reasons for the low energy efficiency of data centres, the YEXIO concept is also designed to make cooling more efficient. Our data centres therefore use an innovative combination of air cooling and direct liquid cooling, requiring less energy than conventional air-cooling systems. At the same time, this generates waste heat at a temperature that allows it to be reused effectively. It can, for example, supply nearby public buildings or be fed into the municipal heating network.

The electricity supply is sustainable too: the data centres run on 100% renewable energy. Their IT components are specifically designed to work with the cooling and supply systems. High rack densities reduce the amount of space required, which in turn reduces material use and construction costs.

Processing data where it is needed

With YEXIO, HOCHTIEF Data Center Partner focuses on decentralised data centres deliberately operated close to their users. This edge approach allows data to be processed where it is generated—directly within the region. It reduces not only the physical distance between the data source and processing, but also latency. Low latency is crucial for time-sensitive applications, particularly in industrial automation and smart city solutions. Local processing also strengthens data sovereignty: businesses retain control over their information and can ensure that sensitive data remains within the relevant legal jurisdiction. This is becoming increasingly important for public-sector organisations and critical infrastructure as well.

Local authorities and regions also benefit directly from decentralised data centres in their area. These facilities strengthen local digital infrastructure and generate new economic momentum: local businesses, service providers and utilities are involved in planning, construction and operation, increasing the value created within the region. The data centre becomes more than an energy consumer—it becomes an active part of sustainable urban development.

A new generation of data centres

Our YEXIO data centres are backed by a network of strong partners. HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions contributes decades of experience in planning, building and operating complex infrastructure. Server manufacturer Thomas-Krenn.AG supplies hardware solutions tailored to YEXIO. Together, the partners established the joint venture Yorizon, which provides secure and sustainable cloud services based on YEXIO infrastructure. This creates a complete ecosystem comprising hardware, buildings, energy supply and digital services—delivered to the highest technological standards and with a clear focus on the environment, commercial viability and social value.

The first data centre based on the YEXIO concept was built in Heiligenhaus, North Rhine-Westphalia. In the university town’s innovation park, HOCHTIEF and infrastructure investor Palladio Partners delivered a state-of-the-art edge data centre that demonstrates how digitalisation, sustainability and urban development can be successfully combined. The facility was completed in summer 2025 and subsequently began operating. For HOCHTIEF, the Heiligenhaus project is the starting point for a nationwide network of decentralised, sustainable data centres—and therefore a pioneering project for the digital infrastructure of tomorrow.

With YEXIO, we at HOCHTIEF Data Center Partner are demonstrating how data centres can be reimagined. Not bigger, but better. Not isolated, but connected. Not only powerful, but sustainable and responsible too. This holistic approach combines technological excellence with environmental foresight and close links to local communities. It lays the foundation for infrastructure that meets the growing demands of digitalisation while conserving the resources of the future.

HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions sees itself as a driving force behind the development of smart cities. As an important part of this vision, HOCHTIEF Data Center Partner makes an essential contribution to future-ready local communities. Integrating YEXIO data centres into our smart city concept helps cities become more efficient and sustainable. Intelligent, connected urban infrastructure creates numerous opportunities to improve quality of life and advance environmental and economic objectives.